On Thursday night, West Ham and Bayer Leverkusen go head-to-head at the London Stadium in the Europa League quarter-final second leg.
It’s advantage Bayer from the first leg, as Die Werkself recorded a 2-0 win in the first leg.
The Hammers are struggling for formDavid Moyes’ side made it one win in their last six games in all competitions last time out, suffering a 2-0 home defeat against Fulham. The Hammers have also kept just one clean sheet in the six-game run.
West Ham’s recent record in the Europa League is also not great. They have now suffered two defeats in their previous three games in the competition.
However, one positive for the team from the English capital is their home record in the competition. The Irons have recorded four straight home wins while scoring at least two goals in three of the four games and keeping three straight clean sheets.
Bayer made history at the weekendXabi Alonso’s team made history at the weekend, as Bayer were crowned Bundesliga champions for the first time in their history courtesy of a thumping 5-0 home win over Werder Bremen.
The game saw Bayer keep their fourth straight clean sheet in all competitions. At the other end of the pitch, Leverkusen have scored at least two goals in 14 of their last 15 competitive games.
Bayer Leverkusen is unbeaten in their last ten Europa League games, having recorded eight wins and two draws. They have also scored at least two goals in eight of their previous nine matches in the competition.
Bayer are unbeaten in four away games in the Europa League, having recorded three wins and a draw.
What am I backing?West Ham has been poor of late, while Bayer are full of confidence after sealing the Bundesliga title. The bet I am backing is a narrow away victory.